Shefali Shah reflects on the time designers would not want to style her: ‘I used to prefer…’

You have always been yourself — whether on social media or during interviews. How challenging (or easy) is it own and portray your true self, especially being an actor who is expected/perceived to have a certain image?

It’s not difficult at all, in fact, it is very easy. I don’t have to pretend to be anyone else but myself. And that is what would work for me, there is too much effort in pretending, covering up, and putting up a façade. Clearly, I don’t have the time and energy for it.

Has being as raw and honest as you are ever drawn criticism from fans and followers? If yes, how do you deal with such situations?

In this case, I have been very fortunate. Over the years, I have received immense love and respect from my audience. To say, 99% of the time it’s love, and then there is of course, that 1% who doesn’t like me or who will comment negatively on my work. Well, I am not a pizza, I can’t please everybody.

Being criticised for portraying your true self, and being under the limelight at all times can take a toll on one’s mental health. As such, has your profession even felt like a burden? How do you ensure to take care of your mental health?

No, my profession doesn’t seem like a burden to me at all. I am more of an actor than a star, and I love what I do. As I said earlier, I don’t know any other thing besides being myself. I don’t even try to pretend or put effort to lie. Thus, it never takes a toll on my mental health. I just am happy being my own self and portraying my real self out there.

But physical health is as important, and it has again come to the fore amid rising Covid cases. How do you ensure to keep yourself fit and healthy?

I don’t really follow a strict health regimen or workout routine to stay fit always. I eat everything and enjoy my food. However, amidst the time of Covid again, all we can do is follow regular precautions and be cautious with our surroundings.

Over the years, you have spoken up about growth and opportunities as an actor. Is there anything you truly regret not doing earlier in your career? And one (or more) things you are absolutely proud of.

I am proud of my profession, and where I am today. I am proud of my intuition and my gut, which always work for me. Coming back to the earlier part of the question, I probably should have focused more on my career, met directors and asked for work and probably should have had an agent in the earlier stage. I should have done all of that but didn’t do it that time and now it’s too late to regret it.

What is the most difficult thing about being an actor in today’s time?

Certainly the lack of privacy or high expectations. At times, every word you say is scrutinised, even though the words are true to self, we need to think twice.

Shefali, your style is inimitable. What does fashion mean to you? Are there any dos and don’ts you follow?

Style for me is comfort. When I have to do it on my own, my first option would be denim jeans and a white shirt. It’s a no-brainer for me, my go-to outfit for the longest time. During the early stage of my career when designers would not want to style me, I used to prefer denim and a white shirt or a chikankari kurta with denim. It was like a uniform. And that used to be my final look. Eventually, I got introduced to a stylist and she took over my hair, makeup and style.

You have experimented with it all — films, OTT, theatre, tv. Which medium do you enjoy the most, find challenging, and feel brings out your best?

For me, it is about playing a character and playing a script. I don’t think it is about a medium, as long as it is a great manuscript. However, in current times, what is challenging, I feel, is OTT compared to a film of 2 or 2 and ½ hours. You can memorise the film and its entire flow. But, memorising eight hours of OTT episodes, part by part, is difficult. To be able to hold the audience’s attention for eight hours is not easy when they have million other options to watch. Being able to keep the character, and the continuity making it interesting and exciting every minute is one big task.

One role you really wish to essay in your career?

There are so many roles that I wish to essay in my career. There was a book I read very long ago when I was a kid and that is something I would love to do. Don’t want to name it when I am scooping my chances for it and my fingers are crossed on it. But, I think Amrita Pritam, the poet, is magnificent and probably one role which would complete the loop of my acting career. And everything Meryl Streep has done.

Tell us about your association with P&G Shiksha. How essential is education in today’s time? But would you agree that education is not only limited to books, it goes much beyond that?

I am fortunate and glad to be associated with them as they stride towards an initiative that aims to bring change to the future of so many children. They have brought education to underprivileged children across India, among the unheard rural areas where they probably would not have had schooling facilities. And as far as education is concerned, I genuinely believe that there should not be any denial of it. But, I do wish that there would be different concepts and a fine line between learning and studying.

During my time, in school, I studied and I didn’t like it at all. Later in life, I am learning and I am enjoying it and earlier if I had known what I wanted to do or at least I was allowed to pick the subjects I wanted to study, I think it would have made me a far richer person. So I feel that during my school time, when you give the exam, it was a test of memorising power not of your knowledge. Luckily, the time has changed for our kids now, they have to do their own research, and they have to come up with their own ideas which are fantastic.

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